Man arrested after failed getaway attempts

RICHMOND, TX (KTRK) -- After multiple getaway attempts, a Richmond man was arrested after police said he was caught stealing from a Walmart in Richmond.

Richard Cantu, 21, allegedly attempted to take several items without paying from the Walmart located at 5330 FM 1640 on Wednesday.

Officials said Cantu was being pursued by the retailer's loss prevention personnel when he reached a Whataburger near the Walmart. They said Cantu attempted to get into a vehicle waiting on the drive-thru lane but was unsuccessful.

According to police, Cantu then tried a second vehicle in line and entered that vehicle without the driver's permission and ordered the owner to drive away from the area.

The victim complied with Cantu's instructions and drove him to an apartment complex on Rocky Falls, where authorities said an off-duty Richmond detective watched Cantu run into one of the apartments and then leave in another vehicle with a female driver he knew.

The off-duty detective called for backup and as Cantu tried to leave, a train going through the area blocked his way.

As the train cleared, officers from the Richmond Police Department were waiting on the other side of the train tracks.

Cantu was taken into custody without incident and was later charged with theft, interference with request for assistance and kidnapping.

The victim driving the first vehicle was not injured during the incident.